The Third Grade Reading Guarantee
Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee
Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in elementary school. Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee (TGRG) is a statewide initiative designed to ensure that every student develops strong reading skills by the end of third grade.
Strongsville City Schools is committed to partnering with families to help every child become a successful, confident reader.
What is the third grade reading guarantee?
The Third Grade Reading Guarantee is an Ohio law designed to:
- Identify students who need additional reading support.
- Provide targeted instruction and interventions.
- Monitor reading progress throughout the elementary years.
- Ensure students are on track to become proficient readers.
Why reading by Third grade matters
Research consistently shows that students who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are more likely to:
- Succeed in all academic subjects.
- Develop stronger writing and communication skills.
- Build confidence in school.
- Graduate prepared for future academic and career opportunities.
Beginning in fourth grade, students transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." Strong reading skills provide the foundation for success across all subject areas.
how our district identifies students who need support
Throughout kindergarten through third grade, students participate in multiple assessments that help teachers understand each child's reading development.
These assessments may include:
- Universal reading screeners
- Ohio Department of Education and Workforce-approved diagnostic assessments
- Ohio State Tests (Grade 3)
Assessment results help teachers determine:
- Current reading strengths
- Specific skill areas nedding improvement
- Appropriate instructional supports and interventions
Reading improvement and Monitoring plans (RIMPs)
If a student is identified as needing additional reading support, the school develops a Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plan (RIMP).
A RIMP outlines:
- The student's current reading performance
- Reading goals
- Targeted instructional strategies
- Intervention services
- Progress monitoring schedule
- Opportunities for ongoing communication with families
Parents are important partners throughout this process and are kept informed of their child's progress.
Reading support in strongsville city schools
Students who need additional support may receive:
- Small-group reading instruction
- Individual interventions
- Evidence-based literacy programs
- Explicit phonics instruction
- Vocabulary development
- Reading comprehension strategies
- Ongoing progress monitoring
third grade promotion requirements
Ohio law requires school districts to consider reading proficiency when determining promotion to fourth grade.
Students may demonstrate reading competency through pathways established by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Strongsville City Schools works closely with students and families throughout third grade to ensure every child has multiple opportunities and the necessary support to demonstrate reading success.
family resources
Strongsville City Schools encourages families to partner with us in supporting their child's reading development. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce provides a variety of free resources to help parents better understand the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plans (RIMPS), reading interventions, and literacy development.
Visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Family Resources page:
Third Grade Reading Guarantee Family Resources | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Resources include:
- Parent-friendly information about the Third Grade Reading Guarantee
- Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plan (RIMP) information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Science of Reading resources for families
- Literacy resources available in multiple languages
If you have questions about your child's reading progress or the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, please contact:
- Your child's classroom teacher
- Your building proncipal
- The Director of Elementary Education
exemptions from repeating third grade
1. Parents can request that their child move on to fourth grade, after talking with their child's teacher and school principal about their reading scores and options for receiving support for their reading. Parents are given the ultimate authority on this decision. Read more about this exemption on the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center's website.
2. Students receiving English Language services with less than three years of English Language support may go to fourth grade.
3. Students receiving Special Education services who have it written in their individualized education program (IEP) that they are exempt.
4. Students receiving Special Education services who have already received intensive remediation in reading for two school years but still are not reading at their grade level.
5. Students who received intensive remediation in reading for two school years and who have already repeated a grade level in Kindergarten through Third Grade.
6. Students who reach a passing score on an alternative test approved by the state.
What supports are provided to students after third grade?
Even though it is called the third grade reading guarantee, schools must continue to provide supports for students not reading at grade-level all the way through 12th grade. Ask your child's school about the support they provide to your child until they are reading at grade level. Progress monitoring is regular and individualized to help teachers guide instruction.